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Breeder (B),  Owner (O)

Also Known As:  William John Arthur Charles James Cavendish-Bentink

Associated Places:  Welbeck Abbey, Nottingham

Description:

One year after he first attended a race meeting, the Duke of Portland succeeded to his title. He inherited great wealth and big estates in England and Scotland including the magnificent establishment at Welbeck, Nottinghamshire, where he set about reviving the stud. He chose Mathew Dawson as his trainer, and with his advice bought St Simon on the death of Prince Gustavus Batthyany - hence acquiring the greatest British sire ever. He imported the crack Australian horse Carbine as a complete unrelated cross for his mares. He also bred Ayrshire and Donovan.

For most of his life the Duke enjoyed great success in his colours of white, black sleeves and cap, with both breeding and racing. The pleasure that he derived from his horses is admirably portrayed in his books, 'Memoirs of Racing and Hunting'', and 'Men, Women and Things'.